Significance of Bathing
Bathing has multiple interpretations across various traditions. In Jainism, it is a ritual act for worship. South Asia emphasizes a princess interacting with a smith woman during bathing. Vaishnavism associates bathing with purification and spiritual merit, often as part of rituals. In Purana, it marks readiness for spiritual activities, while Ayurveda sees it as important for health and relaxation. Dharmashastra views it as essential for purification before rituals. Each perspective highlights bathing as a significant and transformative act.
In Dutch: Baden
In Finnish: Uiminen
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bathing'
In Buddhism, Bathing symbolizes both a routine activity for the princess that facilitates the prince's plan and a scrutinized practice for monks, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and appropriate conduct during self-cleansing rituals.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The act of washing oneself, which is critiqued in the context of how the monks should appropriately conduct themselves during bathing.[1]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A routine activity that the princess wishes to perform, which sets up the opportunity for the prince’s scheme to unfold.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Bathing'
Bathing in Hinduism encompasses ritual purification, auspicious acts, and spiritual cleansing. It is integral for preparing for rituals, attaining purity, and advancing spiritually, often performed in sacred contexts to foster health and merit.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The act of washing oneself, often as part of a ritual or practice in a spiritual context.[3] (2) The act of immersing oneself in water, specifically in the context of the Vetra-ganga, which is significant for purification and spiritual advancement.[4] (3) the act of washing oneself in water.[5] (4) The act of immersing or cleansing oneself in water, which is referenced in relation to attaining a favorable state or destination.[6] (5) The activity of washing or cleansing, particularly in a ritualistic or nurturing context.[7]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A process or instance of washing oneself, from which the subject emerges.[8] (2) A ritual act of cleaning oneself, noted in the context of preparing for the journey before eating on the way.[9] (3) A place or process of washing and cleansing oneself, from which the speaker emerges.[10] (4) Snana, a ritual purification process often included in worship practices.[11] (5) The act of washing oneself in water, mentioned as one of the activities the Lord was engaged in.[12]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of cleansing oneself with water, which is also mentioned as prohibited service to the teacher's wife.[13] (2) An action taken by the woman on the fourth day that changes her status from impure to pure according to certain texts.[14] (3) A ritual act performed by individuals to achieve purification after a period of impurity due to death.[15]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of washing the body, which is important for purification before rituals.[16]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A ritual act signifying the end of studentship, which must be performed before marriage.[17]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A state achieved by the Snataka through bathing, which is associated with purification and the act of not begging afterward.[18]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) The act of immersing in water for cleansing, relaxation, and health benefits.[19]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The act of cleaning the body with water, which is considered purifying and beneficial for health.[20]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A ritual practice essential for purification and preparation for spiritual activities as described in the sacred text.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A ceremonial act that marks the beginning of the Asvins' interest in Sukanya, emphasizing purity and beauty.[22]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) Therapeutic immersions that can provide relief from thirst.[23]
Jain concept of 'Bathing'
In Jainism, bathing is a ritual act performed by Viramati at the Arhats' site, symbolizing purity and devotion as part of worship, emphasizing the importance of rituals in spiritual practices.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A ritual act performed by Viramati as part of worship at the site of the Arhats.[24]
The concept of Bathing in local and regional sources
Bathing serves as a pivotal activity for the Princess, facilitating her encounter with the smith woman, which may symbolize connection or transformation in their narrative development. This interaction is likely significant to the story’s themes.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) An activity the Princess undertakes that leads to her interaction with the smith woman.[25]